A preparatory drawing by Hondius for an engraving in reverse of the same size by A.J. Stock (1626). The engraving formed the title page of a set of prints after Hondius called Memento Mori which depicted animal skeletons. This drawing exemplifies Hondius's skill in combining different media. He used sepia and blue washes, along with ink, to create a detailed and expressive drawing.
Sepia, derived from the ink sac of the cuttlefish, was a common medium in 17th-century art, offering a rich, brown-toned color for drawings, prints, and paintings. It was often used in conjunction with other pigments and inks to create depth and variety.
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